I stopped perming my hair 21 years ago.  Whew! That ages me.  😊 

I stopped using chemicals on my hair after I stopped eating meat.  At the time, I was attempting to cleanse my body.  I wasn’t making any cultural or political statements; it was a personal choice.  I’m glad I made the change; I wouldn’t go back. Key words here, “personal choice”.  Since I’ve been natural, I’ve shaved my head, worn braids, worn head wraps, worn weaves and wigs.  You name it, I’ve tried it.

There’s a whole cultural revolution going on right now. We’re loving our Black skin, our wide noses, our voluptuous lips and our kinky hair.   I think it’s wonderful! What’s not so wonderful is the punitive behavior towards Black Women who have not chosen to go natural. I don’t understand it.  I call the perpetrators “Natural Hair Nazis”.  These judgmental folks have taken it upon themselves to assign levels of Blackness based on your hair.  It’s ridiculous.  Here are the reasons you should ignore them:

#1.  People should mind their own business.  Anyone concerned about how you wear your hair, is not someone about whom you should be concerned.  Imagine if you critiqued their personal style choices and determined how culturally sound they are by them?  Their choices are none of your business.  You’d look crazy.  That’s just how they look. Only they don’t know it.

#2.  Your hair does not determine how Black you are.  This is so important to understand.  Black people vary in color and traits.  I know Black people who are nearly white in complexion, light eyed and straight haired.  My mother had red hair and hazel eyes.  We are direct descendants of slaves, how much more Black can you be?

#3.  Permed hair, wigs and weaves don’t mean you hate yourself.  Ugh!   You have options. Wigs, weaves and braids are accessories. I’ve actually changed wigs to match outfits.  😊  Wearing them does not mean you hate your natural self.  Side bar; some people have medical issues whose affects may make them insecure about their hair.  This is not self-hatred.  The next time someone says, “Let me see your natural hair” – You should ask to see their credit report.  What does seeing my natural hair say to you about me?  Does natural hair make me more worthy of respect? Love? Adoration? Does it make me anymore of a Woman?  

#4.  People who criticize your appearance are weak.  This is the truth.  Get away from anyone who does this.  They will drain you.  I would bet that if you followed these people home, you’d have a laundry list of things to critique about them. 

#5.  When the revolution comes, we won’t be checking for wigs.  Listen Mayne…We have SO many other issues about which to worry.  If folk are stuck on your hair, you may want to question their Blackness.  If you’re asking me about my hair and not my voter registration, you’re the problem. 

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